I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart

I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart

The line "I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart" is spoken by the character King Lear in William Shakespeare's play of the same name. In this line, Lear is reflecting on the lessons he has learned throughout the play and how he plans to hold onto them as a way to protect his heart from further harm.

Throughout the play, Lear undergoes a dramatic transformation as he learns the consequences of his actions and the true nature of those around him. He starts off as a proud and arrogant king who believes he can do no wrong, but as the play progresses, he is humbled by the betrayal of his daughters and the suffering he witnesses around him. This transformation leads Lear to a place of self-awareness and humility, where he begins to understand the importance of learning from his mistakes and holding onto the lessons he has learned.

The phrase "I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart" can be interpreted as Lear's commitment to holding onto the wisdom he has gained and using it as a way to protect himself from further harm. By keeping the lessons he has learned close to his heart, Lear is able to act as a watchman, guarding himself against the dangers of pride and arrogance that led to his downfall in the first place.

This line also speaks to the theme of redemption and growth that runs throughout the play. Lear's journey from a foolish and selfish king to a wise and humble man is a powerful example of the transformative power of self-reflection and learning from one's mistakes. By acknowledging the importance of the lessons he has learned and vowing to keep them close to his heart, Lear demonstrates his commitment to becoming a better person and avoiding the same pitfalls that led to his downfall.